Eur J Anat, 22 (5): 429-432 (2018)

An unusual case of three branches arising from the aortic arch: bicarotid trunk, left subclavian artery and aberrant right subclavian artery

Kerri Keet, Geney Gunston

Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

ABSTRACT The presence of an aberrant right subclavian artery originating as the last branch of the aortic arch is a rare variation. A single case of this aberrant vessel, together with a bicarotid trunk, was observed in an 80-year-old female during dissection. A small, atherosclerotic saccular aneurysm was present at the origin of the aberrant vessel. The aberrant right subclavian artery coursed posterior to the esophagus and trachea to reach the right upper limb. Surgeons operating on structures in the mediastinum, including the esophagus, should be aware of the existence of this variant vessel to avoid accidental injury.

Keywords: Aberrant right subclavian artery â?? Retro-esophageal right subclavian artery â?? Bicarotid trunk â?? Aneurysm â?? Aortic arch â?? Anatomical variation